Apply Saudi Visit Visa from Dubai for UAE Residents

Planning a trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? Whether you are a Dubai resident looking to perform Umrah, a professional attending a conference in Riyadh, or a tourist exploring Al Ula, securing the right visa is your first step.

Saudi visit visas are commonly used for tourist visits, family visits, short business trips, and Umrah (non-Hajj). While many eligible UAE residents can apply through the online eVisa system, others may need to apply via an authorized visa center or professional assistance depending on nationality and visa type.

Saudi Visit Visa Services in Dubai

Why UAE Residents Choose GloboPrime Over the “DIY” Portal

Many applicants attempt the visa alone to save a small service fee, only to face “Application Returned” status or expensive mandatory insurance premiums. Here is how we compare:

Feature Applying Yourself (DIY) Applying with GloboPrime
Approval Odds Risk of rejection due to “Profession Code” mismatch. 99.8% Approval Rate. We map your UAE profession to the correct Saudi equivalent manually.
Insurance Cost System often defaults to expensive “Premium” insurance. Cost Optimization. We select the lowest-priced compliant medical insurance (saving you ~AED 200-300).
Photo Compliance strict 200x200px rule often causes upload errors. We professionally guide you to ensure your photo meets exact MOFA biometric standards.
Support No phone support; email replies take days. WhatsApp & Phone Support. Real humans in Dubai to answer questions about driving, Umrah, or overstay rules.

Which Saudi Visa Do You Need?

Saudi Arabia offers several visa categories. Choose the one that fits your travel purpose:

1. Saudi Tourist e-Visa (Most Popular)

The fastest option for eligible residents.

  • Best For: Tourism, leisure, events (Riyadh Season), and performing Umrah.
  • Validity: 1 Year (Multiple Entry).
  • Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per visit.
  • Processing Time: 24 – 48 Hours.
  • Who is Eligible? UAE Residents with passports from 49+ eligible countries, or holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas (conditions apply).

2. Saudi Business Visa

For professionals engaging in commercial activities.

  • Best For: Meetings, conferences, trade talks, and short-term corporate visits.
  • Requirements: Requires an Invitation Letter from a Saudi company.
  • Our Service: We assist in verifying invitation letters and biometric appointments if required.

3. Saudi Family Visit Visa

Reconnect with your loved ones living in KSA.

  • Best For: Visiting immediate family members (parents, spouse, children) who are Saudi residents.
  • Key Requirement: The sponsor (family member) in KSA must initiate the request via the MOFA portal. We handle the stamping and processing in Dubai.

4. Umrah Visa

Dedicated for religious pilgrimage.

  • Note: While the Tourist e-Visa allows Umrah, a dedicated Umrah visa is recommended for large groups or those from non-eligible e-visa countries.
  • Includes: Comprehensive travel insurance covering COVID-19 and health emergencies.

5. Work & Investor Visas

For long-term opportunities.

  • Work Visa: For those with a verified employment contract.
  • Investor/Premium Residency: For entrepreneurs setting up business in KSA (100% ownership options available).

Requirements Checklist: Do You Have Everything?

To ensure a smooth process, please prepare the following. Don’t have a photo? Visit our office, and we’ll take one for you.

For UAE Residents (e-Visa):

  • Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  • UAE Residence Visa: Valid for at least 3 months.
  • Emirates ID: Copy of front and back.
  • Photograph: Recent passport-size photo with a white background.

For Non-Eligible Nationalities (Consulate Visa):

If your nationality is not on the e-Visa list (e.g., Pakistan, India, Philippines, Egypt – depending on profession), the process differs slightly.

  • Original Passport
  • NOC Letter: From your UAE employer.
  • Trade License Copy: Of your UAE employer.
  • Biometrics: We schedule your appointment at the VFS Tasheel center.

Expert Tip: Your “Profession” on your UAE Visa matters. High-level professions (Manager, Engineer, Doctor) often qualify for faster processing than low-level professions for certain nationalities. Contact us for a free eligibility check.

Saudi Visa on Arrival (VoA): Who Qualifies?

Visa on Arrival is available to tourists holding a valid visit or tourist visa from the US, UK, or Schengen area, provided that visa has been used at least once for entry.

If you do not want to apply online, you may be able to get your visa at the self-service kiosks at Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), or Dammam (DMM) airports.

You strictly qualify for VoA if:

  • US/UK/Schengen Holders: You hold a valid tourist/business visa from these regions, AND you have an entry stamp showing you have already visited that country.
  • EU/US Permanent Residents: You hold a Green Card or permanent residency in the EU.
  • Select Nationalities: Citizens of countries like USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.

If you are a UAE Resident with an “uncommon” passport and do not have a US/UK/Schengen visa, do not fly without an eVisa. You will be denied entry. The “GCC Resident” status alone does not guarantee Visa on Arrival; you must use the online portal beforehand.

Saudi Visa Fees & Total Cost Breakdown (2026 Update)

The base government fee for a Saudi tourist eVisa is SAR 300 (approx. AED 294), plus mandatory medical insurance which varies from SAR 40 to SAR 200 depending on age and provider.

Don’t get caught off guard by “hidden” conversion rates. While the base visa fee is fixed, the medical insurance is dynamic. Here is the real-world cost breakdown for UAE residents applying today:

Visa Type Gov. Fee (SAR) Medical Insurance (Est.) Service / Processing Total Est. (AED)
Tourist eVisa (1 Year) 300 ~50 – 150 Varies ~450 – 600
GCC Resident eVisa 300 ~40 – 100 Varies ~400 – 550
Visa on Arrival (Kiosk) 480 Included N/A ~480
Business Visa (Tasheer) Varies Included ~250 Call for Quote

Photo & Document Specifications

Uploading the wrong photo format is the fastest way to get stuck in the “Pending” status loop.

  • Size: 200×200 pixels (Low res) to 500×500 pixels (High res). Size must be between 5KB and 100KB.
  • Background: Pure white. No shadows.
  • Format: .jpg or .jpeg only.
  • Passport Scan: Must be the bio-data page only. No fingers covering the text.

How to Apply: The Simple 3-Step Process

We don’t need your original passport for e-Visas. It’s fully digital.

Step 1: Send Documents

WhatsApp or Email us your Passport copy, Visa copy, and Photo.

Step 2: Payment & Processing

Pay securely via online link or bank transfer. Our team reviews your data and submits it to the Saudi portal immediately.

Step 3: Fly to Saudi!

Receive your approved Visa PDF via WhatsApp/Email. Print it, and you are ready to travel.

Common Rejection Reasons (And How We Avoid Them)

Many applicants try to apply alone and get rejected. Here is why, and how we fix it:

  • Name Mismatch: The name on the application must match the passport machine-readable zone exactly.
  • Blurry Documents: Automated systems reject low-quality scans.
  • Invalid Insurance: Insurance must be KSA-approved.

Step-by-Step Application Guide (Official eVisa Portal)

Follow this exact process to avoid “Application Returned” status.

  • Access the Portal: Go to the official MOFA KSA Visa Platform or VisitSaudi.
  • Create an Account: Register using your email.
  • Select Visa Type: Choose “GCC Resident Visa”.
  • Enter Residency Details:
    • Input your UAE Residency Number (File Number / EID Number).
    • Select your occupation exactly as it appears on your visa.
  • Upload Documents:
    • Passport: Clear scan, valid 6+ months.
    • Photo: 200x200px, white background, under 100KB.
  • Purchase Insurance:
    Insurance Provider Approx Cost (USD) Option
    Gulf Union / MedGulf $5 – $7 Best Value
    Tawuniya / BUPA $15 – $40 Premium
    Al Rajhi Takaful $25 Mid-Tier
  • Payment: Pay the visa fee + insurance.
  • Download: Download and print the approved PDF.

Can I Perform Umrah on a Tourist / Visit Visa?

Yes. You can legally perform Umrah on a Saudi Tourist eVisa or GCC Resident Visa. The Saudi government officially allows Umrah on these visa types. Hajj is NOT permitted on a tourist or visit visa.
  • Allowed: Umrah (Tawaf & Sa’i).
  • Not Allowed: Hajj.
  • Visa Types: Tourist eVisa, GCC Resident eVisa.

Mandatory Step – Nusuk App: While Umrah itself can usually be performed without an appointment, entry into the Rawdah (Riyad ul Jannah) in Madinah requires a confirmed booking via the Nusuk App.

  • Download Nusuk (App Store / Google Play).
  • Register as a Visitor using your Saudi Visa number.
  • Book your Rawdah slot early (appointments fill weeks in advance).

Common Rejection Reasons & Troubleshooting

Even eligible UAE residents face rejections. Below are the most common reasons and how they are avoided:
  • Profession Mismatch: Selecting “Manager” when your UAE visa shows “Clerk”. Border systems verify this.
  • Name Order Error: Name does not match the passport MRZ (machine-readable zone) exactly.
  • Photo Issues: Background not pure white or resolution below system standards.
  • Residency Expiry: UAE residence visa validity is less than 3 months.

Saudi Visa by Road: Guide for UAE Residents Driving to KSA

Can I Drive to Saudi Arabia from the UAE with a Saudi eVisa?

Yes. Saudi eVisa holders may enter Saudi Arabia by land border via Al Ghuwaifat (UAE) / Al Batha (KSA). Many UAE residents prefer driving for Umrah or family visits, but land borders have stricter checks than airports.

1. Route & Distance

  • Exit UAE: Al Ghuwaifat border.
  • Enter KSA: Al Batha border.
  • Dubai to Border: ~4.5 – 5 hours.
  • Border to Riyadh: ~5 – 6 hours.
  • Best Time: Weekdays. Expect 3–5 hour delays during Eid or Hajj seasons.

2. Mandatory Vehicle Documents Checklist

  • UAE Driving License: Accepted for visitors.
  • Mulkiya (Vehicle Registration): Original physical card required.
  • Saudi Car Insurance: UAE insurance is NOT valid in KSA.
  • Printed Visa Copy: Border officials often require a hard copy.

Insurance Purchase: Available at Al Batha border kiosks (Manafith) or online in advance to save time.

3. Driving a Car Not Under Your Name (NOC Rules)

This is the #1 reason travelers are denied entry at the land border.

  • Company Car: Arabic NOC authorizing cross-border travel, often Chamber-attested.
  • Rental Car: Cross-border travel usually prohibited. Special authorization required.
  • Bank-Financed Car: Usually allowed if Mulkiya is in your name, but some banks require an NOC.

4. Prohibited Items (Strict Warning)

  • Alcohol: Zero tolerance. Even small quantities lead to arrest.
  • Pork Products: Strictly prohibited.
  • Drones: Require GACA permit or will be confiscated.
  • Binoculars / Night Vision: Commonly confiscated at the border.

5. Step-by-Step Border Procedure

  • UAE Exit: Pay exit fee (~AED 35 per person) and get stamped.
  • No Man’s Land: Short drive between borders.
  • Saudi Entry (Al Batha): Vehicle inspection and luggage check.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo if first entry on this visa.
  • Insurance: Purchase if not done online.
  • After Entry: Observe speed limits strictly. Saher cameras activate immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if my UAE profession is low-level (student, homemaker)? Homemakers and children are typically sponsored by the head of the family with an eligible profession. Independent students or low-skilled workers must apply via Tasheer (sticker visa).
  • How long does a refund take if rejected? Visa fees are generally non-refundable. Insurance refunds depend on the insurance provider’s policy.

Critical Rule: Overstay & the “Grace Period”

Saudi Arabia has fully digitized its immigration system. Overstays are automatically detected at borders and checkpoints.

  • The 90-Day Rule: Your Saudi Tourist eVisa is valid for 1 year, but you may stay a maximum of 90 days per continuous visit.
  • The Penalty: Overstay fines can reach SAR 50,000, plus immediate deportation and a multi-year entry ban to KSA.

2025/26 Update – Limited Grace Period:
If your visa expires, Saudi authorities may allow a short 30-day “correction period” to exit voluntarily without a ban. This is NOT automatic and must be requested through the Tawasul service on Absher.

Do not rely on this. Set a reminder on your phone for Day 85 of your stay.

Tourist SIM Cards (Stay Connected in KSA)

Tourist SIM cards are available immediately upon arrival at airport kiosks. These are issued as “Visitor SIMs” and are linked directly to your border number.

  • STC Sawa Visitor: ~35–60 SAR for 5GB–10GB. Best overall coverage, including remote areas like Al Ula.
  • Mobily Visitor: ~35 SAR starter packs. Excellent data speeds in major cities.
  • Zain Visitor: Competitive pricing, good urban coverage.

Important SIM Registration Tip:
You must present your passport and Saudi visa number to activate the SIM. Registration is mandatory under Saudi telecom regulations.

Apply With Us Today

Apply now and receive our FREE “Saudi Arrival Guide 2026” with your visa. We handle the paperwork — you plan the journey.

Step 1: Upload your Passport & Photo

Step 2: We handle the Insurance & Government Portal

Step 3: Pack your bags!

100% Secure & Trusted by Dubai Travelers